Rodeo Poster

Artist Thomas Blackshear II (American, born 1955)

Date2018

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions31 × 43 inches (78.7 × 109.2 cm)
Frame: 40 1/8 × 52 1/8 × 2 1/4 inches (101.9 × 132.4 × 5.7 cm)

Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2018

Object number2018.3.1

ClassificationsPaintings

Label TextBlackshear, who is an African American artist, restores the black cowboy into cultural history. He portrays an African American cowboy leaning against a wall with rodeo and other event posters. The prominent poster advertises the Pendleton Round-Up of 1917. The Pendleton Round-Up is one of the largest and most historic rodeos in the nation. It has a controversial story in its past. In 1911, the finals of saddle bronc came down to three riders: George Fletcher, an African American; Jackson Sundown, a Nez Perce; and John Spain, a Caucasian. Spain won. The crowd disagreed and cheered for Fletcher. Bronc riding judging awards points for the quality of the cowboy’s riding and for the difficulty of the horse. The crowd believed that the judging unfairly had bias for the white competitor. Did Blackshear intend to suggest that story? He leaves it to the viewer to interpret.

ProvenanceArtist; purchased June 8, 2018 through (Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming) by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art

On View

On view